title: Open abdomen management: a review of its history and a proposed management algorithm.
abstract: In this review we look into the historical development of open abdomen management. Its indication has spread in 70 years from intra-abdominal sepsis to damage control surgery and abdominal compartment syndrome. Different temporary abdominal closure techniques are essential to benefit the potential advantages of open abdomen management. Here, we discuss the different techniques and provide a new treatment strategy, based on available evidence, to facilitate more consistent decision making and further research on this complicated surgical topic.
authors.affiliation: Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, Hague, Netherlands. barbarakreis@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Barbara E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Kreis
authors.forename: Alexander Jc
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: de Mol van Otterloo
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Kreis
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D058107:Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; D000465:Algorithms; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D013526:Surgical Mesh